Transferring Designs with Chalk & Paper Stencils

When transferring a quilting design with chalk using perforated paper stencils, no tracing is needed. With gentle use, the paper stencils will be reusable. After the quilting process is completed, the chalked lines can be easily whisked off most fabrics using a soft cloth or brush. Chalk that is resistant to whisking, may be removed by rubbing the quilt with a gentle scrubbing motion using another piece of the same fabric as the quilt.

You will need

Chalk pounce pad (readily available at local notions/fabric stores or on-line filled with white chalk powder)

Consider using a pastel chalk powder for very light colored fabrics. It is wise to test the colored chalk on a scrap of the actual fabric you are marking to ensure you are satisfied with the removal of the markings after stitching. You can make your own chalk pounce using muslin (if loosely woven, use two layers) to form a small pouch. Fill the muslin pouch with chalk dust and secure it with a rubber band.

Instructions

1.

Position the perforated paper stencil on your project. Tape or pin the design so that it doesn't shift during step #2.

2.

Gently *swipe the chalk pad across the entire paper stencil. The chalk dust will drop through the perforated holes of the stencil leaving a dotted path for you to follow when stitching.

3.

Before removing the paper stencil, peek under the paper to make sure that the chalk line is clearly visible. If not, repeat step #2 until you can easily see the line.

4.

It is best to chalk one or two sections at a time rather than to chalk the whole quilt. The chalked lines tend to fluff away if the fabric is jostled excessively during the quilting process.

Tip ~ The vibration of the quilting process can also dislodge the powdered chalk. Re-tracing the chalked lines with a retractable fine point chalk pencil before beginning to stitch will help to hold the markings in place while you stitch.

5.

Remove the paper stencil, then free-motion quilt by machine or hand-quilt by following along the chalked lines.

* Note:The only time you actually "pounce" the chalk pad is before you swipe; hold the closed pad in your one hand and pounce it firmly two or three times into the palm of your other hand or on a hard surface. This shifts the chalk downward into the terrycloth pad for easy distribution when you swipe. Remove the base cap before you swipe.